Santiago de Compostela’s economy is heavily driven by tourism, primarily due to its significance as a pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Camino de Santiago brings in thousands of visitors each year, boosting local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tour services. The university, one of the oldest in Spain, also plays a vital role in the city’s economy, contributing to the education and research sectors while drawing students and academic professionals from across the globe.
Beyond tourism and education, Santiago has a strong agricultural tradition, with the surrounding countryside producing high-quality dairy products, meats, and wines. The region is famous for its Albariño wine and seafood, which form the backbone of local culinary offerings. Additionally, the city has a growing biotechnology and life sciences sector, supported by the University of Santiago’s research facilities.
Local craftsmanship, particularly in traditional Galician ceramics and textiles, also forms part of the local economy, with many artisans selling their products in the city’s markets and shops.